Power of Metal.dk Review

Nine Covens
On the Dawning of Light
Rating
Style: Black Metal
Release date: 12 November, 2012
Playing time: 46:42
 

This band is repetitive. This band is very repetitive. This band is quite repetitive. They are repetitive, you know. At this point you’re probably screaming: “Aw alright, point made, for fuck’s sake. Now move on.” And you know, that’s pretty much how I felt when listening to “On the Dawning of Light”.

 

Which is a big shame really because in itself, the music in this album is an exciting vision of (mostly) mid-tempo Black Metal that tends to gravitate towards the early Norwegian scene but which also has elements of melody thrown in (I’m here using ‘melody’ in relative terms of course). It’s a dark and caustic Metal that’s strongly driven by the rhythm section.

 

One track which stands out from the rest is the instrumental ‘White Star Acception’ – a composition which has hints of Katatonia of yesteryear. ‘Over the Ocean’s Way’ is another interesting proposition – one that has the vibe of a battle-hymn with long blast-beat passages and an intro that kept reminding me of Iron Maiden, of all bands.

 

So “On the Dawning…” does have its moments, besides boasting a great sound production. Next time around, however, the band could do worse than to dip into their pool of ideas with less restraint.


Tracklist
01. Origin of Light
02. As Fire Consumes
03. At The Ocean’s Strand
04.  The Mist of Death
05. The Fog of Deceit
06. To Quench a Raging Flame
07. White Star Acception (Instrumental)
08. Over The Ocean's Way

09. A Burning Ember
Label: Candlelight Records
Distribution: Plastic Head Music
Reviewed by: Chris Galea
Date: 6 November, 2012
Website: www.ninecovens.com